We’re excited to share a full stream of the debut full-length from Pennsylvania punks Witness Marker.
The band was formed in 2017 when guitarist Bruce Ewell initially began the concept under a working title of Burn It Backwards, inspired by an Elliott Smith. While the name has changed to Witness Marker, that detail is an important clue that this is a new direction for Ewell’s songwriting. The band play melodic skatepunk, with a subtly aggressive-yet-thoughtful tone that shifts between inner reflection and punch back at the world hostility. Think southern California skatepunk meets DC, with additional subtle layering.
Ewell recruited vocalist Chis Werner to the project -- the two previously played together in No One’s Hero -- seeking Werner’s unique writing approach. Both members stress how the Witness Marker is a maturation, a band with a serious but less cynical view of the world that explores themes of sticking through friendships and self-improvement in difficult times.
Listen below (hit the + sign for a full track list).
The self-titled debut began with plans for a 7” trilogy but turned into the 10 songs before you, which officially releases on April 9 as a split release between Division Street Sounds and Not Like You Records.
